Premier Peter Gutwein says coronavirus crisis in mainland states underlines cautious approach to borders

Premier Peter Gutwein says Tassie is one of the safest places on earth and he wants to keep it that way, amid worsening coronavirus situations in other Australian states. SEE THE LATEST ON BORDER RESTRICTIONS >>

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THE worsening coronavirus crisis in states along Australia’s eastern seaboard justifies the decision to keep Tasmania locked away from most jurisdictions, Premier Peter Gutwein says.

“We have one of the safest places on the planet here and we want to keep it that way,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

The state’s borders remain closed to the entirety of mainland Australia but are set to open to COVID-safe South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory on August 7.

Tasmania has had 227 confirmed cases of the virus, but only one since May 15, a returned traveller who was in hotel quarantine and was later hospitalised.

It comes as Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19 spirals out of control, with 723 new cases and 13 deaths announced yesterday, and more than 5800 active cases.

Meanwhile, NSW has recorded another 18 cases of the virus, taking its active case numbers to more than 200.

In Queensland, three new cases of coronavirus were recorded on Thursday but were not related to two 19-year-old women who tested positive after visiting Melbourne and Sydney and then allegedly lying about their whereabouts.

Strict controls are in place for arrivals into Tasmania, including mandatory 14-day quarantine either in a hotel or at their own residence, with exemptions to this rules (including essential workers) considered on a case-by-case basis.

Police prepare for the Jetstar flight JQ 705 to Hobart from Melbourne. Picture Chris Kidd

Mr Gutwein said community transmission in other states was why his government was taking cautious steps towards relaunching its visitor economy.

“I am desperately sorry for what is occurring in Victoria at the moment and with more than 700 cases reported today, they are in for a very difficult time,’’ he said.

“And our thoughts go to all Victorians and to Tasmanians who have friends in Victoria, and family.

“But in terms of our decision last week to not open to the eastern seaboard, this underlines the cautious and sensible approach that we have taken.”

Mr Gutwein is set to provide an update on Friday about the state’s position on borders, following a meeting of the National Cabinet.

The Premier said the border with Victoria would be reviewed at the end of that state’s emergency period, but he ruled out opening to our nearest neighbour at “any time in the near future”.

Premier Peter Gutwein in Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“In terms of NSW ... they’ve obviously got community transmission and unfortunately Queensland now have a small number of cases and we’ll be watching very closely what we do there,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

And he again renewed his plea for people to follow the rules.

“I would say to all Australians and to Tasmanians, the rules that we have put in place are there to protect you, the people that you love, your community and, importantly, our state.

“If you enter Tasmania, be absolutely truthful about where you have been and what the circumstances are. If you lie, and you are caught out, then we will throw the book at you.”

Labor leader Rebecca White said she supported a precautionary approach to reopening borders to states that were deemed safe.

“Tasmania currently sits in a good position compared to other states when it comes to fighting the spread of COVID-19 and we want to remain that way,’’ she said.

“I do however recognise the significant impact ongoing restrictions are having on businesses and employment, especially in hard hit industries like tourism and hospitality.

“If borders remain closed to other jurisdictions the government will need to consider providing more assistance to affected businesses and their staff so they are able to stay afloat.”

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